Travelers Defeat Naturals in Series Opener
August 3, 2015 - Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release
SPRINGDALE, AR - In the bottom of the second inning, Alex Liddi and Hunter Dozier smacked back-to-back triples off the right field wall to help give the Naturals an early 2-0 lead. The early offense was not enough though as the Arkansas Travelers (22-16, 58-49) responded to defeat the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (14-23, 54-53) on Monday night by the score of 4-2 at Arvest Ballpark.
Coming off of back-to-back wins over the Cardinals, the Naturals leaped on board early in the first game against their in-state rivals. Liddi led off the second inning with a triple off the right field wall and scored after Dozier followed with a RBI triple of his own. The triple was Dozier's first and Liddi's sixth on the season, which is tied for the second most in the Texas League. Bubba Starling then was robbed of a base hit by third baseman, Brian Hernandez, but recorded the RBI groundout as the Naturals took an early 2-0 advantage.
The Travelers evened the score in the top half of the fourth inning after Michael Snyder connected on a two-run home run, his fourth of the season, on the first pitch he saw to make it a 2-2 game. Arkansas then took the lead in the top half of the seventh inning on a two out single to left field by Chad Hinshaw to score Cal Towey, who had walked to lead off the inning, and give the Travelers 3-2 lead. Arkansas would complete the scoring in the top half of the eighth inning on a two out single by Towey to score Blake Gailen.
Northwest Arkansas starter RHP Luke Farrell threw well but ended up with the no decision as he went 5.2 innings giving up only two runs on five hits while striking out five on the night. RHP Malcom Culver (2-4, 4.40 ERA) took the loss in an inning of relief. The Travelers RHP Michael Brady (6-5 3.60 ERA) received the win after a strong outing of his own going 7.0 innings allowing two runs on six hits. RHP Kyle Winker (H, 4) received the hold while RHP Danny Reynolds (S. 8) earned the save, his eighth of the season.
Northwest Arkansas will continue their three (3) game series against the Arkansas Travelers, the Double-A Affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, at Arvest Ballpark tomorrow night. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. as fans can enjoy select 2-for-1 specials throughout the ballpark as part of an Arvest Two for Tuesday with Johnsonville Buck-A-Brats.
The Naturals will send RHP Matt Murray (5-1, 3.51 ERA) to the hill against RHP Kyle McGowin (7-7, 4.93 ERA) of North Little Rock. Tune in with the Voice of the Naturals, Benjamin Kelly, at 6:50 p.m. for the Indigo Sky Casino Pre-Game Show leading up to the 7:05 p.m. first pitch of Game 2 at Arvest Ballpark against the Travelers on the Naturals' flagship station KQSM 92.1 - FM, the Ticket.
Follow the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Twitter @nwanaturals all throughout the year by using the hashtag #NaturalPastime for all of our up-to-date information on tickets, groups, promotions, roster, and team information.
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.
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Texas League Stories from August 3, 2015
- Drillers Can't Hold Lead, Fall to Cards - Tulsa Drillers
- Hooks Snap Missions' Win Streak in Extras - San Antonio Missions
- Travelers Defeat Naturals in Series Opener - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Riders Offense Blanked in Opener against RockHounds - Frisco RoughRiders
- Naturals Host Second Faith & Family Night on August 14 - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Ryon Healy and Sean Manaea Named Texas League Player and Pitcher of the Week - Midland RockHounds
- Moran Named Texas League Player of the Month - Corpus Christi Hooks
- RoughRiders, City of Frisco Team up for "Play Ball, Frisco" Event Saturday, August 22 - Frisco RoughRiders
- Travs Walk off 4-3 on Bemboom's Bunt - Arkansas Travelers
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